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Books History History Adventures

15 Best History Books Of All Time

It is a common saying that history is what we make out of it, however, now it may seem like a very elegant thing to say rather than a realistic one. But one thing is pretty sure, those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it (George Santayana).  

It is without a doubt that this civilization has evolved over thousands of years, and a lot of historic events took place during this course. If we ought to achieve greatness and success in life then it’s compulsory to know and learn the history and one of the easiest ways to do it is to read about it. 

Here is our guide to some of the greatest history books that you can read and learn from.

1.  History Adventures, World of Characters, Revolutions & Industrialization, 1750 – 1900

Creator: Spencer Striker, PhD

Looking for the best way to learn World History? Travel back in time to 1750–1900 with award-winning History Adventures and experience the stories of 5 amazing characters who lived during this dynamic period—brought to life with the help of animation, interactivity, and visual effects.

Developed by Spencer Striker, PhD, History Adventures is taking world history education to a whole new level with 3D experiences, data visualizations, sound effects, and amazing graphics. Importantly, you will also be able to test your comprehension by taking multimedia, rich assessments at the end of each character narrative.

2. The Guns of August

Author: Barbara W. Tuchman

The first major conflict in the modern world which is often referred to as World War I is one the longest and most brutal international conflicts that ever occurred in human history. Its atrocities left almost 17 million people dead and countless affected all around the globe. There will be many books written about this War, but the ‘Guns of August’ gives you a closer look at the set of events that triggered this war.

3.  The Liberation Trilogy

Author: Rick Atkinson

This book revolves around World War II, especially the European and African Fronts. It is one of the best trilogies that covers almost all the aspects of the 2nd world war in Europe. Written by Rick Atkinson, these books take us to battlefronts in North Africa, Italy, and western Europe.

4.  1776

Author: David McCullough

This historic masterpiece was written by David McCullough, a Picasso of American History. His ‘1776’ brought the War of Independence and the formation of America into life. The book gives us the hint that G. Washington was not a mythical character but a human being and his counterpart, the British General Willian Howe, was a formidable adversary. It is without a doubt one of the best books in American literature.

5.  1491

Author: Charles C. Mann

As the name suggests itself, the history of America just before Columbus discovered it and then unveiled it to the rest of the world. This book by Charles C. Mann covers the civilizations in North America before the European occupation.

6.  The Crusades

The Crusades: Thomas Asbridge

The name says it all, this masterpiece covers one the most sensitive yet the most important events that shaped the world to what we see today. This book covers the Crusades for the Holy City from the 11th to 13th centuries.

7.  Caesar and Christ

Author: Will Durant

Roman Civilization is perhaps one of the first modern civilizations ever created. This book by Will Durant takes us through the highs and lows of the Roman Empire, particularly revolving around its leaders and how religion played a vital role in its collapse.

8.  A History of American People

Author: Paul Johnson

This masterpiece was written by the world-renowned author Paul Johnson. A History of American People takes its readers from the formation of America to 20th century America while shedding light on important events that took place throughout American History which made America the powerful.

9.  Churchill: A Life and the Second World War

Author: Martin Gilbert

This book by Martin Gilbert focuses on the Second World War and its atrocities. The book educates its readers about the casualty (cause and effects) of the war and how Winston Churchill stepped up to it and became the leader as we know him today.

10.  Guns, Germs, and Steel

Author: Jared Diamond

This book by Jared Diamond is in a league of its own. Unlike the other history books, it doesn’t reflect any particular set of people, region, or race rather than it focuses on general history and circumstances into which an event occurred.

11.  Genghis Khan: The Making Of The Modern World

Author: Jack Weatherford

As the title says the book covers the life story of Genghis Khan, the notorious Mongol leader, and the founder of the Mongolian Empire of 13 and 14th centuries. The Book covers how Genghis Khan and Mongolia rose to power and how it affected the world as a whole and Europe in particular.

12.  Europe: A History 

Author: Norman Davies

Written by Norman Davies and published in 1996, the book covers the ups and downs of Europian political, economical and territorial aspects. Primarily focusing on Modern Europe, the book is a treat for someone who ought to learn about Europian History.

13.  The Rise And Fall Of The Third Reich

Author: William L. Shirer

The book focuses on the rise and fall of German, and particularly the Nazi empire. The book was written by a renowned journalist William L. Shirer. It takes us through the period of history starting with the birth of Hitler in 1889 to the ultimate demise of his Empire in 1945. The book covers the important aspects of Nazi Germany through its highs and lows.

14.  Postwar: A History of Europe

Author: Tony Judt

This book was written by British author Tony Judt, a world-renowned and award-winning author who specialized in European History. The book covers Europe in the aftermath of World War II through its economic, territorial, and political highs and lows.

15.  The Communist Manifesto

Author:  Karl Marx

It may have been the most famous book in this list that not only too many people must have heard about, but quite a few of them must have even read it. This book was written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels and as the title suggests it focuses on communism. The first-ever written document about communism, some even believe that it signified the start of communism.

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History Adventures Presentations Spencer Striker PhD

5 Reasons To Download History Adventures

Watch out people, there is a new kid on the block and it’s revolutionizing the way you learn history: introducing History Adventures

History Adventures is a series of next-generation digital books developed by Dr. Spencer Striker. History Adventures blends the latest innovations in mobile entertainment design and technology – including animation, music, motion, and sound effects, with the powerful storytelling method of narrativizing the life stories of peoples who lived in past centuries, in different ages and locations around the world, with the innovative, cross-disciplinary curricula.

The first book, History Adventures, World of Characters, (1750-1900), presents a fresh approach to history education, designed for today’s digital generation.

What’s History Adventures’ secret? Amazingly, it simply lets you relive history by reading the stories of multiple characters who used to live during a certain period in world history with a click of a finger. 

If you are getting ready for the AP World History Exam, just download History Adventures. Getting ready for the college, voila – History Adventures. Or maybe you are no longer studying, but just want to improve your general knowledge of history, or relax and enjoy a fascinating and engaging book while distracting yourself after a long day – then History Adventures will come in hand too. 

With our streamlined book application, anyone can have a great audiovisual experience at the click of a button! To celebrate our launch, we’ve put together this list of even more reasons why you should download History Adventures.

By the way, you can download History Adventures: World of Characters, (1750-1900) here.

  1. Engaging Learning Experience



    Learning history has never been more exciting! History Adventures provides users with an interactive history learning experience that will enhance and broaden their comprehension of the complex world around them.

    When you first open the book application on your device, make sure you go through the ‘How To Use This Book’ guide since History Adventures is filled with different types of interactive content and you can launch different features at your own comfort by clicking certain icons – additional information, 3D experience, tags (mainly to help you memorize certain definitions), audio comments of the historian related to the featured topic, and much more!

  2. History Has Never Been So… Unboring!
    Innovative applied interaction design research shows how data visualization, musical scoring, interactive maps of time, and documentary-inspired visualizations can bring the pages of history to life, which makes the learning experience incredibly engaging and fascinating.

    We promise, after you start reading, you just won’t be able to stop!

  3. Get Ready To Ace The AP World History Exam (Applicable To Some Other Exams Too)



    We’ve created the History Adventures keeping the AP World History Program curriculum in mind. Therefore, in the actual book, you will be able to see which AP World History: Modern topics exactly are covered in the upcoming pages.

    The best part – you will also be able to test your knowledge about the relevant topic or story with different types of questions.

    Moreover, the book can also be used when preparing for other types of World History exams.

  4. Pure Readaxation
    According to the University of Sussex research, reading for just 6 minutes can be enough to reduce the stress levels by 68%. Our book will not only help you reduce stress, but you’ll also be able to switch your mind off from your work and daily routine and go on a breathtaking historical journey to the age of Revolutions and Industrialization.

    By the way, you can learn more about the power of reading for pleasure here.

  5. History Adventures is free



    Yes, you read that right! History Adventures is absolutely free to download for everyone.

    We’re available on Apple Books, so just download it now to your iOS device and enjoy the most captivating history book ever.

So why wait? Download History Adventures now!

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Competitions History Adventures Spencer Striker PhD

Big History Adventures Makes the Top 10 of the 2017 Dubai Smartpreneur Competition

Big History Adventures – Top 10 Finalist

-10 business ideas shortlisted for final round of the competition

-Top 3 winners to receive cash prizes and access to training and support

-Al Zaabi: High number of promising submissions reflects strong innovative culture of Dubai’s entrepreneurial ecosystem

Dubai, UAE: The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry is set to announce the winners of the 2nd cycle of the Dubai Smartpreneur Competition on May 17th, during the closing ceremony of the ArabNet Digital Summit 2017.

Ten ideas have been shortlisted for the final round of the competition, which requires candidates to present their ideas at ArabNet. The top 10 submissions are: Drivu, mobile application that enables any restaurant or coffee shop to have a drive thru facility; FriendyCar, for car sharing service; Nester, mobile based parking rental platform that connects parking owners with people looking for place to park; CorporateStack, web-based solution that is designed to manage and improve business processes; TruKKer Technologies, for trucking and shipping business; Smart School Solutions, an app used by teachers, students and parents to learn and track progress; WYN, for innovative learning solutions including digital business training games; Big History Adventures, an interactive idea for next generation for history learning experience; YallaShip, an app for cargo shipping; NOW Money, app based current accounts for people earning less than 5,000.

The Chamber initially received more than 700 innovative ideas in the competition’s current cycle, an increase of 100% compared to the 350 submitted last year. These were narrowed down to 50 and the top 10 candidates later qualified for the final round. An expert panel of judges from Dubai’s entrepreneurship community is tasked with evaluating shortlisted ideas and selecting the winners.

The top three winners will receive cash prizes and access to training, and support, which is designed to help them turn their business ideas into a reality. The competition, open to all UAE-based entrepreneurs, required participants to submit ideas that support one of the Smart Dubai dimensions, namely smart economy, smart living, smart mobility, smart governance, smart environment, smart people, and smart ICT infrastructure.

The competition, launched in cooperation with the Smart Dubai Office, aims to strengthen the role of entrepreneurs in contributing to Dubai’s Smart City vision. Applications for the Dubai Smartpreneur Competition are evaluated based on the following criteria: the specific problem addressed by the business idea, the idea’s value proposition, customers’ need for the product or service, and the idea’s ability to support one of the Smart Dubai dimensions.

Essa Al Zaabi, Senior Vice President, Institutional Support Sector, Dubai Chamber and General Coordinator of Tejar Dubai, said the high number of promising submissions this year reflects the strong innovative culture of Dubai’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, adding that many of ideas can support Dubai’s Smart City transformation.

Joining this year’s panel are: Hans Henrik Christensen, Director, Dubai Technology Entrepreneurship Centre, Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, Saoud Mohammed Al Jassem, Division Head – Head – Government Banking Division, DNE, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Sulaf Saleh Al-Zu’bi, CEO of INJAZ UAE, Tarek Ghobar, Startup Manager, 1776 Dubai, Fahad Al Bannai,  CEO of Axiom, Rekha Setpal, Head of Community Services, DIC and In5, Marwan Salem Abu Nawas Al Mheiri, Head of Business Banking, Emirates Islamic Bank, Saif Al Shafar, Chairman of Tejar Dubai Youth Council, Nadine Halabi, Business Development Manager, Dubai Business Women Council, Mohammed Mahgoub, Administration Director, Dubai Chamber, Wael Abu Shadi, Finance Director, Dubai Chamber, Talal Al Mazrooei, Senior Vice President Head of Distribution, Liabilities and Wealth Management, EmiratesNBD, and Dr. Abdul Kareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation.

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Big History News Presentations

Visual Cultures Forum – Jonathan Markley – Big History: Innovating Visual Educational Multimedia

The Department of Visual Communication hosted a Visual Cultures Forum with Jonathan Markley titled “Big History: Innovating Visual Educational Multimedia.”

Jonathan Markley a New Zealander by birth, earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Auckland. After that, he taught history for four years in Hong Kong, before moving to Sydney, Australia, where he earned his Ph.D. at Macquarie University in ancient Chinese history. His first book (published by Brepols) is called “Peace and Peril. Sima Qian’s Portrayal of Han-Xiongnu Relations.” He moved from Australia to California to take up his position in the History Department at CSUF in 2006. He was granted tenure and promotion to associate professor in 2011.

He has been involved with the Big History movement since his time at Macquarie, and he featured in many of the episodes of the History Channel’s 2013 series “Big History.” Other TV appearances include an episode of “America’s Secret Slang” (Lower the Boom), “Ten Things you didn’t know” (Caligula), and “History of the World in Two Hours.”

Promotional Poster for Dr. Markley’s popular talk on AUD campus

He was appointed to the board of the International Big History Association (IBHA) in 2014. He is working on a book about the Big History of Grass, a species of plant that includes wheat, barley, rice, corn, sugar cane, and bamboo. He is also the host of an exclusive 3-part documentary that provides insight into the links between astronomy, deep time geological events, and human civilization, called Deep Time, running on Curiosity Stream.

Dr. Markley’s talk connected the fascinating world of Big History with cutting-edge innovation in educational multimedia.